Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer divides opinion amongst the fans for many reasons which, are both positive and negative. Listed below are paragraphs explaining both sides of the argument:

Positive – the Rebuild

In the 18/19 season, Mourinho was miles away from the top four when he got sacked. When Ole came in, Manchester United came close to getting top four. Manchester United couldn’t quite get over the line that season after going on a long winning run. In the 19/20 season, Manchester United got top four in the last game after going on a long unbeaten run. Winning against Leicester on the final day meant United finished third – a huge improvement on the season before. Last season, Manchester United secured Champions League football for the second consecutive season for the first time in the post-Fergie era. Last season was impressive as Manchester United were second for a large proportion of the season. This is also the closest United have come to the title (points wise) since Sir Alex retired.

Positive – He has overachieved

Ole ensured United was the second-best team in the league last season despite lack of transfers. Ole’s detractors would say he got lucky with the injuries that Liverpool suffered, Chelsea got in Tuchel mid-season and, Spurs had a finished manager. Ole detractors would also say that Man City started slowly. However, Ole still did well to clinch second because fans thought he wouldn’t get top 4.

Positive – Unbeaten away from home

Last season Ole went a whole season unbeaten away from home. Notable results include a 2-0 win at the Etihad and a 0-0 draw against European Champions, Chelsea. It is unlikely this will happen when crowds are back this coming season but United still have the chance to earn the best away run in Premier League history with two more wins.

Positive – Post match quotes

Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over as Manchester United manager, he’s provided the footballing world with many quotes, ranging from inspirational to brutal jokes. Below are examples of memorable quotes from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:

”At least we play every year now, took many years before I played a Manchester derby”

”You need to knock the house down, you don’t just start with the roof, we’ve had some rainy days and wish that the roof was on, but we can’t hide.”

Negative – Bottling cup competitions

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lost 4 semi-finals and a final during his 3 years at United. 4 semi-finals is the same amount that Sir Alex Ferguson lost during his time at Manchester United.

Semi-finals losses include:

• Carabao Cup 2019/20: Man Utd 1-3 Man City; Man City 0-1 Man Utd (aggregate 2-3)
• FA Cup, 2019/20: Chelsea 3-1 Man Utd
• Europa League 2019/20: Sevilla 2-1 Man Utd
• Carabao Cup, 2020/21: Man Utd 0-2 Man City

The final loss against Villarreal was the most painful. Villarreal won on penalties after De Gea missed his crucial spot-kick.

Negative – Defensive style of play

Manchester United plays too defensive most of the time with a starting lineup consisting of two holding midfielders. The problem with two holding midfielders is that Maguire and Lindelof have too much protection. Another problem with two holding midfielders is that they move the ball slow with sideway passes. The general feeling is that Ole chooses two holding midfielders because he can’t trust the centre backs. The signing of Raphael Varane means that there shouldn’t be a need for two holding midfielders.

Conclusion

Ole should be manager next season as second is the highest United have finished in the post Fergie era. There is still room for improvement when we are referring to cup competitions. Manchester United haven’t won a trophy since 2017 and, a large proportion of that time has been with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This season looks to be United’s best chance and they need to take it.